MALACCA, Jan 29 — Malacca will review its approval for the sale of alcohol in 76 convenience stores in the state based on the composition of the neighbourhood they are located in.

Malay daily Berita Harian reported Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron as saying that store owners must immediately stop selling alcohol — deemed as haram (forbidden in Islam) — if Muslims make up more than 90 per cent of the local community.

“We only allow selling of alcohol in convenience stores that are located in areas with a Muslim population that is below 90 per cent.

“This has also been agreed between the state government, PBT (local councils) and the management of convenience stores in this state and action has to be taken immediately,” he was quoted saying yesterday by local paper Berita Harian’s online portal.